VESTALS Meaning and
Definition
-
Vestals, also known as Vestal Virgins, refer to a specific group of priestesses in ancient Rome who dedicated themselves to the goddess Vesta. The name "vestal" is derived from the Latin word "vestalis," meaning "pertaining to Vesta." Their primary role was to maintain the sacred flame in the Temple of Vesta, ensuring its eternal preservation.
The initiation to become a Vestal Virgin was highly prestigious, and only selected girls between the ages of six and ten from esteemed patrician families were chosen. Once admitted, these girls would serve as Vestals for a period of thirty years, during which they were expected to remain chaste and devote themselves entirely to their religious duties. Breaking their vow of chastity was considered a severe offense, as it was believed to bring misfortune and calamities upon Rome. As punishment, the offending Vestal would be buried alive.
The Vestals occupied a unique position in Roman society, as they were not subject to male authority or guardianship. They enjoyed several privileges, including the freedom to own property, inherit wealth, and engage in legal transactions. They were also granted esteemed seating at public events and had the ability to pardon condemned prisoners.
Overall, Vestals held a respected and revered position in ancient Roman religious life, embodying purity and upholding the sacred fire of Vesta. Their role as guardians of the city's spiritual well-being made them an integral part of Roman culture and tradition.
Top Common Misspellings for VESTALS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for VESTALS
Etymology of VESTALS
The word "vestals" originates from the Latin term "vestales" which refers to the Vestal Virgins, a group of priestesses in ancient Rome. The Vestal Virgins were tasked with maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta, the Roman goddess of the hearth. The Latin term "vestales" is derived from the root word "vesta", which is the name of the goddess, and the feminine plural suffix "-ales" denoting belonging or relating to.
Similar spelling words for VESTALS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
